The Pre-Contemplation Stage is evident when a person does not believe they have a problem. Friends and loved ones tend to pick up on symptoms such as restrictive eating, the binge/purge cycle, or a preoccupation with weight, shape, and appearance, despite the sufferer not admitting it. The individual may refuse to discuss the topic and deny they need help. At this stage, we recommend seeking the advice of a GP or The Wellness Workshop, who can provide you with tips on how to navigate the situation effectively and not cause further detriment to the sufferer's health. You can also​ find out more about signs and symptoms by clicking here.

The Contemplation Stage occurs when an individual is willing to admit that they have a problem and are open to receiving help. The fear of change may be very strong, and it's during this phase that a professional like a Psychologist, Therapist or Wellness Coach can assist the individual in discovering why they developed the eating disorder and what purpose it has served in their life. A visit to your local GP is recommended at this point to gain a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan and move forward towards the next step of receiving treatment. The Wellness Workshop can provide you with a list of recommended Practitioners and delivery therapy services both in-house and online for you.

An individual transitions into the Preparation Stage when they are ready to change, but uncertain on how to go about it. The Wellness Workshop's Wellness Coach can assist you in developing specific coping mechanisms that assist you in effectively dealing with negative eating disorder thoughts and emotions, while our Dietitian can provide nutritional therapy to begin the process of normalising food and eating behaviours. It's also recommended the sufferer identify potential barriers to change and implement their treatment plan as created by their GP. Sitting down with family members and close friends to explain the next steps forward and how they can support your recovery is suggested.

Once an individual is ready to implement their plan and confront the eating disorder, the action stage begins. Generally this will mean attending appointments, exploring new ideas and behaviours, facing fears and even reading and adopting self-help approaches. They may also attend therapy groups and seek support from loved ones. Trust between the individual and the treatment team is imperative here, particularly when facing challenges or barriers to change. The action phase is also a good time to remove triggers from the sufferer's environment like diet foods and diet pills, scales, harmful social media accounts, diet books or anything else that may hinder the recovery effot

The maintenance stage occurs when the individual has sustained the action stage for around six months or longer. During this time, the sufferer continues to practice recommended behaviours, new ways of processing their thoughts and implementing learnt coping mechanisms. They may also need to regularly expose themselves to potential triggers i.e eating out with friends at a take-away restaurant in order to prevent relapse and acclimatise themselves to their new lifestyle. This can be a particularly difficult stage of eating disorder recovery as external stresses may increase the risk of relapse. Having a relapse prevention plan is place is recommended.

intuitive eating

by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch

Learn the 10 principles of intuitive eating and free yourself from dieting forever. Reconnect with the pleasure of eating and develop a healthy relationship with your mind, body and food.

the intuitive eating workbook

by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch

An evidence-based program to be used in conjunction with the Intuitive Eating book, ideally with the guidance and support of a qualified professional like The Wellness Workshop's Intuitive Eating Coach or Dietitian.

brain over binge

by Kathryn Hansen

An engaging read about one woman's journey through binge eating, purging and self-discovery, and how she managed to overcome her condition adopting an unconventional approach.

the little book of big change

by Amy Johnson

Psychologist Amy Johnson illustrates how to rewire your brain and overcome harmful habits that are affecting your health. Useful for sufferers of binge eating.

health at every size

by Linda Bacon

Explores the myth that 'fat is the problem' and offers the alternative that dieting is in fact the problem. Teaches you how to tune into your body's natural cues and nurture yourself from the inside out.

if not dieting, then what?

by Dr Rick Kausman

Teaches you how to eat, move and live outside of dieting while taking care of yourself and creating a life worth living that is filled with the little pleasures. Also explores mindful eating.

just eat it

by Laura Thomas

Teaches women how to get 'their shit together' around food by freeing them from restrictive dieting, disordered eating and punishing exercise. Promotes self-love and the development of a more trusting relationship with food and your body.

happy fat

by Sofie Hagen

Written by comedian and fat activist, Sofie Hagen begins a journey of self-exploration into conquering the negative relationship she has with her body. Filled with uplifting tips and stories to redefine current beauty standards and  your self-worth.

love your body

by Jessica Sanders

A beautifully illustrated picture book that encourages young girls to admire and celebrate their bodies for all the amazing things they can do, and help girls see that they are so much more than just their physical bodies.

body positive power

by Megan Crabbe

Challenges modern opinions that our bodies are the problem and happiness is only reached when you hit your goal weight. Illustrates the author's battle with anorexia from the age of five and how she finally recovered from years of dieting and binge-eating.

the beauty myth

by Naomi Wolf

Best selling classic originally written in 1992 that redefines women's views of the relationship between beauty and female identity. Explores the obsession with physical perfection that traps modern women in an endless spiral of hope and self-hatred.

body respect

by Linda Bacon & Lucy Aphramor

Talks about the rampant nature of body insecurity and how we as people tend to judge the accomplishment or success of others based on their weight and appearance. Offers an unconventional approach to respecting and celebrating bodies of all size.